Les Bowen

STAFF WRITER

Les Bowen has covered the Eagles since 2002. Before that, he covered the Flyers for 13 years. He came to the Daily News from the Charlotte Observer in May 1983, just as the Sixers were winning the NBA championship. He thought, "Gosh, this sort of thing must happen all the time here."

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick does not have any broken ribs, but was diagnosed with a rib cartilage injury. Coach Andy Reid said the injury is "up high in the second and third ribs," connecting to the sternum.

"We’ll see how he feels," Reid said. "This is going to be one of those day-to-day, week-to-week things … Rick [Burkholder] and our docs will keep a close eye on it."

Reid said Vick is "sore" today.

“We’ll see how Michael does here," Reid said. "If he is as sore as he is today, then Kevin will take the snaps [Wednesday].”

Vick at least was not grimacing as he walked from the NovaCare cafeteria to a meeting. Walking seemed painful for him yesterday. "Better," Vick said when asked how he felt.

Meanwhile, running back LeSean McCoy has a broken rib suffered in the second quarter. "He played through it," Reid said. "He’s a pretty tough kid. We have to see. It’s a comfort thing. They are doing a couple of other things."

Riley Cooper and Asante Samuel have concussions. Reid said "their concussions seem to be mild."

As for Kevin Kolb, Reid said, "He did some good things and he has some things he needs to work on. He put us in a position where we can win the football game.” He also said everyone has confidence in Kolb should he need to be the starter.

Reid, as usual, didn't commit to making or not making roster moves in the wake of the Vick and Cooper injuries. The Eagles have only rookie Mike Kafka behind Kolb, and Cooper is one of only four wideouts on the 53-man roster. Reid said he would meet with general manager Howie Roseman.

Jeff Garcia, twice called upon by the Eagles in the past, is quartebacking for Omaha of the United Football League, but apparently can get out of his deal if someone pays Omaha $150,000. Agent Doug Hendrickson has not responded to a message from the Daily News.

Reid was also asked about time management and the play at the end of the first half. "I’d like to tell you everything on that, but that would be an expensive answer.” He again took the blame. "That was my fault."

Reid was asked if he has ever considered designating someone on the coaching staff to be primarily concerned with the clock during games.